Encouraging kids to develop virtues with a little help from the Community of Saints

Monday, July 4, 2016

July 4: Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

"Isabel of Portugal withSaint Elizabeth"By Petrus Christos

History

Saint Elizabeth (or Isabel) was a Spanish princess who married the king of Portugal when she was only 12 years old. Not only was she beautiful and kind, she was devoted to Jesus and went to Mass every day. One day, somebody told the king a lie about Elizabeth, which he believed. He tried to punish her and her page – a servant who ran errands for her – but the page went to Mass every day, too, following the queen’s example. He was at Mass when he was supposed to be punished, and instead, the one who told the lie was punished. The King realized God had saved the innocent page and lived a holy life after that.

Activity

Sometimes, we forget that Mass is a place where miracles happen! We should all go to Mass as often as we can, just like Saint Elizabeth of Portugal and her page. Today is a national holiday in the U.S., so use an hour of your free time today to go to daily Mass as a family.